Flavored with honesty, humor, compelling stories, and creative solutions, Help Wanted navigates the 13 jobs moms must accomplish in the dynamic, often challenging mother-daughter relationship to make the maximum difference in their girl's life.

As I began reading this book I couldn't help but think that these were some of the exact same thoughts that were going through my mind once I had my daughter! The author begins the book by telling her readers how shocked and afraid she was to learn of her pregnancy and then to actually become a mother.. and I am glad that she has put her feelings down on paper because as a first time mother I found it to be a very scary experience especially since everyone around me was only willing to talk about how exciting it is to become a mother and no one wanted to talk about the challenges and changes that I would face, the sacrifices that I would have to make and the constant fear that I would have to live with (I wake up with cold sweats sometimes just thinking about all the horrible things that can happen to my child!). As I continued to read the book I could not help but think: at last someone who truly understands the meaning of parenthood! I found comfort in this book knowing that there are many others who must feel the same way I do.

I never realized how much we, as mothers, do for our daughters. This book puts all of our 'hats' on the table and breaks down our "13 jobs" in a realistic fashion. I enjoyed the easy to read style with personal applications of each role we endure. The author uses her stories to show that no one is perfect, but gives us the tools to try to improve our relationships to give our daughters the best life possible (and really, isn't that what we all want for them?). Since reading and applying the tools from this book, I have noticed a positive difference in the relationship with not only my daughter, but my entire family. A must read for any family!

Author/Artist Review

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Author: Darlene BrockSubmitted: April 25, 2011

Tell us a little about yourself. Leaving home at 18 I held a very long list of diverse and demanding jobs. It was in the years I Promoted Concerts, Managed Christian Bands, Produced Music Videos and Oversaw the Operations of ForeFront Records, (the record company that produced such artists as Rebecca St James, DC Talk/TobyMac, Audio Adrenaline and Geoff Moore & The Distance) my daughters were being raised. I am blessed and proud of all my accomplishments but being mom is the best job I ever had.

What was your motivation behind this project? As a working mom (aren't we all) I had the precarious balance of raising two daughters while running like wild woman in business. The goal of successfully getting these daughters to adulthood in our crazy culture was the most difficult job in the world. I know that many other moms feel the same as I did. Drowning some days, succeeding others. But never giving up. I wanted all moms to know it could be done and in the end they would accomplish this job well.

What do you hope folks will gain from this project? This book is about what I learned - about the jobs you need to master, the advice from other women that helped me, as well as some realities about the life and culture we live in that informed my perspective. I want all mothers to believe they can take on the most difficult job in the world - raising daughters - and not only live to tell about it, but smile along the way.

How were you personally impacted by working on this project? I was reminded of the two most important qualities innate in all women, grit and grace. These showed in the very lives of those I admire and respect. Grit and grace are also the most important traits we must call upon in our job of raising daughters.
Grit: Indomitable strength, Unyielding courage in the face of hardship and danger
Grace: A disposition of generosity and kindness, Favor rendered even when you need not do so
I once again realized if we nurture those in ourselves and our daughters like those before us we can and we will change the world.

Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists? I am a complete history nerd. At the age of 13 I read every biography portraying women of history in my hometown library. I found their challenges and achievements inspiring. Certain if they could ride a Conestoga Wagon through uncharted territory, fight for our country's independence, nurse soldiers to health in horrific circumstances, and rise to the status of business owner I could do anything.
But it was on a personal level I had some of the finest life instruction. My great grandmother, Ethel Anna Bunger showed me greatness in life not by what she said but by who she was every moment of every day of her life.

Anything else you'd like readers / listeners to know: My prayer is that this book not only helps and challenges the mothers of daughters, but also impacts grandmothers, fathers, and even the daughters themselves.